helentdiehl's posterous

what would helen do ?

1/27/12 Friday pizza night @ Mary & Chris's

1/27/12

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neighbor Deb sent this picture from Colorado.
She had this bird eating out of her hand!

It is called a Clarks Nutcracker

Hear it's call here:
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Today I was busy wrapping presents for our
annual re-gift party Saturday night
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LA FITNESS -- this is my new gym --
they had a great deal for the new year (of course)
& I need to really get going in the fitness arena.
We still have ski season, beach volleyball will
be here sooner than later, biking season will sneak up
on us & let's not forget some crazy obstacle course
races -- I'll try not to break anything this year.
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This is AMBER in the kiddie room.
She signed me up for LA FITNESS.
Does anyone else need to join a gym?

They have volleyball Tues & Thurs nights
AND a couple Saturday mornings.
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Jim - this is for YOU!
I saw this license plate today.
Jim saw it recently too & it caused
QUITE THE CONTROVERY on his Facebook post.
I think we finally agreed the driver felt
D-PRIVED because they didn't know JIM!
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tonight we went over to friends Mary & Chris's house.
Mary makes home-made pizza every Friday night.
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Rolling out the dough
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putting the pizza in the oven using pizza peel
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yummy pizza - thanks Mary!
I am a pizza lover & this was delicious
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Mary & Chris our hosts for tonight's pizza party.
Should have gotten a picture of the wine too -
it was quite fabulous:

Reininger Cabernet Sauvignon 2007
(EXCELLENT)
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Mary's dog......
LUCKY got lucky & was awarded a pig's ear
Tiger
SNAKE!!!!!!!!!!!

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The way to get started
is to quit talking
and begin doing.

- Walt Disney (1901-1966)

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http://helentdiehl.posterous.com/

feel free to Share :)

1/26/12 Stone Brewing Beer Tasting with Hatboro Beverage at VE Club

1/26/12

Stone Beer Tasting with Hatboro Beverage at VE Club

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The VE club was the setting for tonight's event.
Verienigung Erzgebirge is a private German Club
located in Warminster, PA - very close to our house.
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We volunteered to chauffeur friend Jim
as he is unable to drive.
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Tonight was STONE BREWING beer tasting.
Hosted by Hatboro Beverage.
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Lee Marren rep from Stone Brewing.
The first beer we had tonight was
Stone IPA.
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Jim's messed up foot.

He has a torn Achilles --
ALSO a blot clot which he is taking blood thinners for --
which caused him an allergic reaction & ended him
up in the hospital (for EIGHT DAYS!)
WHERE he caught Bronchitis....
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Arrogant Bastard - 2nd tasting.

"This is an aggressive ale. You probably won't like it.
It is quite doubtful that you have the taste or sophistication
 to be able to appreciate an ale of this quality and depth."
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#3. Stone Smoked Porter

"So you think you don't like dark beer?
Prepare to believe. This is no ordinary porter.
And if you are already among the enlightened
who appreciate a fine ebony-hued ale,
we think you will find Stone Smoked Porter
to be a poignant addition to your repertoire."
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Winner Winner Chicken Dinner!

Michael & I won free lift tickets to Jack Frost.
All we need now is SNOW!!!
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friend Michael collecting his prize from
Bert - the owner of Hatboro Beverage
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tasting #4. Imperial Russian Stout

 "Intensely aromatic (notes of anise, black currants,
coffee, roastiness and alcohol) and heavy on the palate, this brew goes where few can - and fewer dare even try."
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Our tasting table tonight.
It was a great turn out.
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last tasting - Old Guardian

"We're glad to tell you without the slightest modicum of modesty: it's delicious. And if you're of the type that's patient enough to squirrel bottles away, know that this behemoth is poised to continue evolving with age."
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Mike & Bert from Hatboro Beverage
& Lee from Stone Brewing
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Michael W.,  Jim, Michael & Bert
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I said to Michael -- grab the wine cooler sleeve for the
beer you want to take for others to try tonight.
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he grabbed & brought THIS instead....
our ice cream maker!! genius!

***************************************

"People who drink light 'beer'
don't like the taste of beer;
they just like to pee a lot."

***************************************
The guy from Budweiser says "I'd like a Bud Light"

The guy from Coors says "I'd like a Coors Light". 

The guy from Guinness sits down and says

"Give me a Coke."

They ask: "Why aren't you drinking a Guinness?"

"Well, if you guys aren't drinking beer, neither will I."  

***************************************

This is the LINK to ALL the photos from the Beer Tasting:

remember you can ALWAYS see Picture of the Day here:
http://helentdiehl.posterous.com/

feel free to Share :)

Wednesday Wine SCHOOL January 25th, 2012

Wednesday Wine SCHOOL 
January 25th, 2012

Aberdeen-625x450
Alert Alert -- everyone!!!
 set your DVR to record Puppy Bowl VIII

Don't miss it! Tune in Sunday, Feb. 5, beginning at 3 PM
Animal Planet Channel

Puppy Bowl is back for its 8th consecutive year
with an all-star, all-adorable cast that's ready to mix it up
on the grand gridiron of Animal Planet Stadium.
Here is the starting line-up:
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Tonight was the first night of the rest of my life --
well, actually - it was FIRST NIGHT OF WINE SCHOOL.
but I am hoping this adventure segues into
a real job within the wine industry.
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inside the paper cups were concoctions
for us to experience
sweetness, acidity & tannins -
descriptors often used in wine tastings
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 the tasting glasses we used.
they give them to us for "free".....
part of our course material
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fined out more about wine school here:

or just ask me!
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The six wines we tasted tonight.

School was good & I'm glad to be adding credentials
to my toolbox.  I don't know what the future
will bring but if anyone has a crystal ball
& can tell me please let me know because
I am quite curious....as well as slightly
apprehensive......
R
HAWK that my friend saw today in Philadelphia.
Philly is like a buffet for Hawks - squirrels, pigeons,
rats & more! mmmmmm
S
We have wings??
U
Are you making excuses for
not accomplishing something?

****************************
 
You have to take those first scary
tentative steps into the unknown
and trust you're up to the task
before you'll know you are.....

****************************

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1/24/12 Frog Hollow, HOT YOGA, Ray's studio, Sox lady, deviled eggs

1/24/12

A
Apples from Frog Hollow Farm
B
Carmody Cheese

"The cat" sent sister Pat pears & cheese for Christmas
& the cheese was moldy so they sent
Apples AND Cheese as a replacement.

Both are delicious!!
C
I like cutting my apples into bite sized pieces
using a steak knife b/c we don't have an apple knife.
Am I the only one who likes their food in handy
bite size pieces? I don't like biting into stuff. 
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Today's adventure -- HOT YOGA
at Riverflow Yoga in Lambertville, NJ
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In Bikram "hot yoga" you do these 26 poses
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they crank up the heat to about 105 degrees.
there are heaters throughout the studio.
It gets quite hot - the guys were just wearing
swim trunks.  I could have been finished after
the first hour but persevered the last 30 minutes.
Wasn't sure if I LOVED it but would not be
against doing it again. Who's in?
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I stopped to see brother Raymond
but the artist was OUT of the studio.
Got a picture of his fancy mailbox stand.
Do you need one???
I'm accepting orders.
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This sculpture is for sale if you or someone
you know needs it....
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I needed to get some bird food to keep
the Bluebirds (of happiness) coming to 3 Lacey.
Wild Birds Unlimited has fresh food
& they also give you tips on attracting birds.
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I drove past the SOX LADY a gazillion times
& today I finally stopped in.
I needed crew socks to wear with my
Hello Kitty High Tops but was unable
to find an acceptable pair until today.
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Chester & Weasel checking out my new socks!
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I even got Picassa a catnip ball at the sox store.
She was actually playing with it too!
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I was in cooking mode today.
Made some Chicken salad
& deviled eggs while Weasel supervises.
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Batch #1 Deviled eggs -- with Bacon & Cheese
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Deviled Eggs #2 -- with smoked salmon, capers & Wasabi.
mmmmmm (thanks Raymond for that idea!)
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Batch #1 Deviled eggs
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Deviled Eggs #2
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Chester getting a wether report
before committing to go outside
X
The Cycle of Abundance
Y
DOG yoga pose

================================

Action can always overcome fear
and failure is only failure if you don't learn anything.
Nothing is ever so bad that you can't get up and dance
when the music comes on.
Nothing.

~joslyn lewis

================================

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Monday January 23rd 2012 "61 degrees", leopard pants, birds, Chinese New Year

Monday January 23rd 2012

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the temperature in our finished basement
is 61 degrees which Michael thinks is FINE
but I Do NOT.  What guests want to sleep
over in that temperature???

I think we need a heater, don't you??
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neighbor Deb is away on a ski trip & sent me
cute picture of these Leopard Ski Pants.
Yes -- I do LOVE THEM -- but I am thinking
that they look better in size 6 than a 12!
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Picassa bitch cat on Bird watching duty......
Spotwine20error
Who can spot the ERROR in this "Shelf Talker"?
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Today I read an blog post about creating a list
of your own "commandments"

Here is a link to some commandments that people wrote:

It was kind of an interesting topic.....one's own "Commandments".
Mine are posted at the end of this Picture of the Day.
U
 New Years Eve in Philadelphia Chinatown last night
V
"Congratulations and be prosperous"
(for Chinese New Year today )
恭喜和繁荣
Y
LIVE!!!!!

-----------------------------------------------------
Helen's 8 Commandments

1. Maintain a Positive Mental Attitude
2. Be Enthusiastic
3. Look for the benefit in adversity
4. Do what you say
5. Apply what you know
6. Learn Something New Everyday
7. Help others
8. Take steps in the right direction

any questions?
----------------------------------------------------

remember you can ALWAYS see Picture of the Day here:
http://helentdiehl.posterous.com/

feel free to Share :)

Sunday 1/22/12 Football!

Sunday 1/22/12

A
Day after Winter Wonderland

The snow is still here but will be leaving soon.
Monday's forecast is rain with temperatures
in the 50's. Snow much prefers colder temps.
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after work I caught up with Michael.
he was at our neighbors MB & Chris watching
the Giants(win) / SF game.
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Baby Grace was in charge of the remote
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this is what I was NOT drinking
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neighbor Jim was our Miller Lite guy.
Not sure why the photo is BLURRY --
possibly b/c of the VORTEX NECK
in the beer bottle???
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I prefer beer with taste....
Ballast Point Sculpin  IPA
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Sporting Todd's sunglasses......
I look good, he should give them to me
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Chris & Todd wondering who Adam was
watching the game with......
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Murphy hanging out with us
Newborn-deer-makes-squeaking-n
squeaking baby deer

this is total ADORABLENESS, trust me.
the squeaking beings around 30 second.

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If something is not happening for you
it doesn't mean it's never going to happen.
It means you're not ready for it.
---------------------------------------------------------------

Change is coming.

So the question is

should we resist change or embrace it?

-----------------------------------------------------------

remember you can ALWAYS see Picture of the Day here:
http://helentdiehl.posterous.com/

feel free to Share :)

1/22/12 SNOW!!! dinner @ Taormina's

1/22/12

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our FIRST winter snowfall
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Seamus our dog statue
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Chester checking out the Winter Wonderland
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Michael getting to use his new snow blower
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out to dinner with the Keeney's.
Vanessa with our goods......
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Ava having fun at Taormina's
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tried something new!
Chicken Saltimbocca
-Chicken with ham, spinach & mozzarella cheese
in a white wine lemon sauce.

It's definitely a "re-order"
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"side" dish of penne vodka......so delicious

-------------------------------------------------
R
what is YOUR favorite time of the year????

--------------------------------------------------------

If you see someone who needs help,
stop asking yourself if they need help.
 Instead, just help.

--------------------------------------------------------
 
You don't have to buy from anyone.
You don't have to work at any particular job.
You don't have to participate in any given relationship.
You can choose.

- Harry Browne
--------------------------------------------------------

remember you can ALWAYS see Picture of the Day here:
http://helentdiehl.posterous.com/

feel free to Share :)

Friday January 20th 2012 Fred's, Feed Mill

Friday January 20th 2012

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Love the river view!
You've seen this before --
does anyone know where this is?
Looking from where to where?
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Waitress in action
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Ate at FRED's with friend Joyce today...
private breakfast club!
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We stopped at Davis Feed Mill for birdseed
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They have a little bit of EVERYTHING here!
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delicious pinot noir ($$$$$)
review coming!
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Genesee Cream Ale -- does it bring back
memories for anyone???  just wondering....
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What do you see?

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Be as useful as you can
in as many circumstances as possible.

-----------------------------------------

Excuses are the sure and reliable building blocks of failure.
Whether you find yourself offering them or accepting them,
they are a definite warning flag
that you are veering off course.
- Ralph Marston
-----------------------------------------

remember you can ALWAYS see Picture of the Day here:
http://helentdiehl.posterous.com/

feel free to Share :)

Thursday 1/19/12 Dentist, Wine, "book"

Thursday 1/19/12

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I get "concerned" because when I get up early
& go right to work then come home it makes
for a challenging day to come up with
material for Picture of the Day.......
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fortunately (?) I had a dentist appointment -
just a check-up..... the scary hallway to the
dentist chair.....
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Geri the dental hygienist -- she is also the wife
of my dentist Paul Reuter (great name for a dentist?).
It's cool seeing them because we do our 6 month
"life check ups" as well as dental check ups.....
Wonder what I will be reporting to them in
6 months...........any guesses?
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I offered to proofread a Press Release for my
friend Stephanie - winemaker at David Fulton Winery.
Here are my supplies to proofread.
Ruler, glass of wine & pink pen.
Red is too harsh....

Check out her wines, they are fantabulous.
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Jana - neighboring vineyards to David Fulton --
I wanted to do WHITE wine tonight --
you know, after just getting the teeth cleaned....
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finally finished listening to the Dean Koontz book
about his dog Trixie. It was good BUT you can guess
what happens without me telling you, RIGHT???

Anyone want to borrow this audio book???
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after posting my Men on the Wall --
my friend Shannon sent me this one she saw
at an assisted living community.
Inbread20cat
Please spay or neuter your pets!
This is a tragic example of an in-bread cat!
Bwahahahaha!!

------------------------------------------------------------------
"Next to acquiring good friends,
 the best acquisition is that of good books."
 ~Charles Caleb Colton
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

remember you can ALWAYS see Picture of the Day here:
http://helentdiehl.posterous.com/

feel free to Share :)